Manual Therapy - Upper Quarter

Manual Therapy - Lower Quarter

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Introduction

Alan Weismantel graduated
from the University of Pennsylvania Physical Therapy School in 1967. His early
career included proficiency in EMG/NCV studies and the clinical use of manipulation
and mobilization techniques. After extensive studies in the United States and
Canada, Mr. Weismantel was the third Physical Therapist from the United States
to pass the International Federation on Manual Therapy (IFOMT) Examination in
1975.

During my 37 years of clinical Orthopedic Manual Physical Therapy
practice, I have studied and practiced the various forms of mobilization and manipulation
techniques ranging from the traditional joint to visceral philosophies. During
this time I have found that there is no one system that works for every patient.
My clinical experiences have revealed that a variety of techniques are needed
in the same treatment session to achieve effective outcomes. I have found that
manual interventions need to be directed to central structures and progress laterally
in an attempt to regain core mobility, stability and function.

I have developed
a system of mobility examinations and interventions that take MINIMAL
TIME with immediate and often dramatic results. Re-examination validates
the outcome success of the interventions.

Functional Manual Therapy (FMT)
is unique and differs from other manual therapy approaches. FMT differs in three
main ways:

During the patient's examination, there are muscle tests
and if positive for weakness will direct the therapist to an area of impairment.
After FMT interventions to the area of impairment, the muscle tests are performed
again. If the movement impairment has been successfully corrected, the weakness
will be absent.

When directing interventions to a joint complex with impairment,
the therapist "locks" the joint in a maximum three-dimensional tightness. In this
position, the patient moves his/her joint complex to the start of his/her pain,
and then returns to the starting point. It is very important that the patient
does not move beyond this point. This movement is rapidly repeated until a maximum
increase in range-of-motion is accomplished. The patient is in complete control
of his/her movement intervention.

Interventions directed to the soft tissue
complex are accomplished through active movement toward the resistance experienced
by the patient. The resulting mobilization effects nerve, vascular, fascia, and
muscular tissues. The therapist "locks" the tissue three-dimensionally and the
patient actively oscillates until the soft tissue releases. The inhibition accomplished
through activation of neuromuscular spindle activity provides a scientific rational
as to the intervention's effectiveness.

My clinical experiences with
FMT have resulted in remarkable outcomes which have led me to share my techniques
with you.

Click on Functional Manual Therapy for either Upper
or Lower quarter courses for more detail.